As Europe Roasts, the World’s Largest Meat Producer Ditches Net-Zero
JBS, the world's largest meat producer, has abandoned its net-zero emissions commitment as Europe experiences extreme heat. Critics, including World Animal Protection, condemned the decision, arguing the company's business model harms the planet. JBS has defended itself by claiming its operations are essential to global food supply, a justification advocates reject as the climate crisis intensifies.
Will new UK PM’s green measures at home cause climate finance pain overseas?
Matched: climate
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has introduced domestic green measures including reduced bus fares and lower household electricity taxes. However, concerns have emerged over climate finance implications abroad, after the UK converted its contribution to a new global forest fund from a grant to a loan — a change critics say could undermine international climate commitments and burden developing nations seeking funding for forest protection.
Allegations of harm at China-backed transition minerals projects rise
Matched: climate
Allegations of harm tied to Chinese-backed transition minerals projects are increasing, according to new data. The rise in recorded abuses — affecting communities near mining sites — coincides with the launch of a new mediation mechanism aimed at resolving disputes between companies and affected communities. China is a dominant investor in minerals considered critical for the clean energy transition.
Energy transition policymaking must evolve to fit an age of rupture
Matched: climate
Global energy transition policy is shifting away from climate-focused frameworks toward priorities like economic competitiveness, energy security, and green industrial strategy. While these drivers are accelerating real-world change, analysts warn the shift risks undermining commitments to a just and equitable transition, potentially leaving vulnerable nations and communities behind as wealthier countries reshape policy around national self-interest.
Extreme heat costing India’s poorest workers 2% of GDP, survey finds
Matched: climate
India's informal workers lose around $78 billion in wages annually due to extreme heat, equivalent to roughly 2% of GDP, according to a survey. Productivity declines and heat-related illness among the country's poorest workers are driving the losses, with conditions expected to worsen as temperatures continue to intensify due to climate change.
Top maritime court rejects bid to halt UN deep-sea mining inquiry
Matched: climate
A top international maritime court has rejected a bid by two subsidiaries of The Metals Company to halt a UN inquiry into potential contract breaches. The probe was launched after the company applied for US-sponsored deep-sea mining permits, bypassing the standard international approval process. The court's decision allows the investigation to proceed.
Flood deaths in West African cities raise fraught issue of slum evictions
Matched: climate
Deadly floods in West African cities are highlighting tensions around informal settlements built on flood-prone land. Poor urban planning and rapid population growth have pushed low-income residents into vulnerable areas. Authorities face difficult choices between protecting lives through evictions and displacing already-marginalized communities, with no clear consensus on how to manage the growing crisis.
Most “zombie credits” locked out of new UN carbon market after China and India snub
Matched: climate
China and India have declined to authorize the transfer of old carbon credits to the new UN carbon market, effectively blocking most so-called "zombie credits" — low-quality offsets from outdated projects — from entering the system. The move eases concerns that the new market would be flooded with environmentally dubious credits, and is seen as a positive step for the integrity of the emerging mechanism.
Africa can lead the Age of Electrification
Matched: climate
Africa has both a major opportunity and significant challenge ahead as global electrification accelerates. The continent can position itself as a leader in this transition, but doing so will require overcoming substantial barriers. The piece highlights the dual nature of the electrification agenda for Africa — potential for development and energy access alongside the difficulties of achieving it at scale.
For Pregnant Women in Hong Kong, Extreme Heat Is a Silent Threat with No Warning
Matched: climate
Hong Kong's pregnant women face growing health risks from intensifying heatwaves, yet receive little to no guidance from medical authorities about heat-related dangers. As climate change drives more extreme summers across Asia, researchers warn that exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy is linked to complications including preterm birth, but public health systems have been slow to respond.
Campaigners oppose Dangote’s planned Kenya refinery over climate and ecological risks
Matched: climate
Campaigners are opposing plans by Dangote Industries to build a large oil refinery in Kenya, criticising the project as environmental recklessness. The proposed facility, which would be Africa's second largest oil refinery, is planned for an ecologically sensitive area. Critics warn of significant climate and ecological risks, raising concerns about the project's potential damage to the surrounding environment.
Major emitting countries knew of climate risks decades earlier than claimed
Matched: climate
Governments of major carbon-emitting nations were aware of climate risks from fossil fuels as far back as the 1960s, earlier than publicly acknowledged. Despite this knowledge, they withheld information, reportedly to avoid accountability for their role in driving global warming.
UN seabed regulator defends authority as mining firms seek to halt inquiry
Matched: climate
The UN's International Seabed Authority has defended its right to investigate deep-sea mining companies after The Metals Company attempted to halt an inquiry into its subsidiaries. Campaigners accused the firm of obstruction, while the company argues it is being targeted without procedural basis.
A strong El Niño spells more climate pain for the Philippines
Matched: climate
El Niño is intensifying concerns for the Philippines, a country already struggling with frequent climate disasters. Forecasters warn the weather phenomenon will bring more extreme conditions to the region, compounding existing vulnerabilities. The Philippines, which regularly faces typhoons, flooding, and drought, is already experiencing early effects of the pattern.
Loss and damage fund delays first project approvals as needs dwarf resources
Matched: climate
The Loss and Damage Fund has delayed approving its first projects after receiving far more funding requests than it can meet. Board members opted for more time to decide which proposals to prioritise. The fund, established to help vulnerable nations cope with climate-related losses, faces a significant mismatch between available resources and the scale of need from applicants.
Iran war fuel shocks threaten Africa’s clean cooking push, IEA says
Matched: climate
Conflict-related disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are threatening LPG supplies to Africa, the IEA warns. The fuel is considered a cleaner alternative to wood and charcoal for cooking. The disruptions risk undermining efforts to improve energy access and reduce pollution across the continent, where millions still rely on traditional biomass fuels with significant health and environmental consequences.
The loss and damage fund needs far more finance to deliver climate justice
Matched: climate
Campaigners are calling for the loss and damage fund, established to help vulnerable nations cope with climate-related disasters, to be significantly scaled up. Critics say current financing falls far short of what is needed and argue the fund must allow affected communities direct access to grants, rather than routing money through governments or intermediaries, to effectively deliver climate justice.
India looks to untapped graphite riches for slice of critical minerals boom
Matched: climate
India is seeking to develop its largely untapped graphite reserves to compete in the growing critical minerals market, driven by rising demand for battery-grade graphite in clean energy technologies. However, India faces significant challenges in breaking into a supply chain dominated by China, which currently controls the vast majority of global graphite processing and output.
As blue economy gathers pace, communities must benefit from ocean boom, activists say
Matched: climate
Activists at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa warned that coastal communities risk being excluded as governments increasingly look to oceans for economic growth and climate solutions. Campaigners urged that fishing communities and indigenous groups have a say in blue economy projects, cautioning that without proper safeguards, ocean-based industries could replicate the inequalities seen in land-based development.
AI governance debate silent on risks to nature, campaigners warn
Matched: climate
Conservationists are warning that global AI governance discussions are overlooking potential risks to nature. Campaigners say frameworks designed to ensure AI is safe and beneficial are failing to address how the technology could accelerate biodiversity loss and ecosystem exploitation. They are calling for environmental impacts to be formally included in international AI governance efforts.
Ugandan farmers launch UK court case against East African oil pipeline
Matched: climate
Ugandan farmers have filed a crowdfunded lawsuit at London's High Court against EACOP Ltd, the UK-registered company behind the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. The case seeks to enforce Ugandan law, with farmers alleging the project has harmed their livelihoods and land rights. The pipeline, running from Uganda to Tanzania, has faced widespread criticism from environmental and human rights groups.
A supercharged El Niño is coming – are we ready?
Matched: climate
Scientists warn a powerful El Niño is approaching, likely intensifying extreme weather events including droughts, floods, and storms worldwide. Experts urge governments to strengthen climate resilience by protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, which can buffer against impacts. Current preparedness levels are considered inadequate given the scale of disruption expected from the combined effects of El Niño and ongoing climate change.
As food shocks spread, citizens are showing more leadership than governments
Matched: climate
A Global Citizens' Assembly survey found widespread public support for protecting forests and reducing industrial food production amid growing food shocks. However, governments have largely failed to match this ambition, with politicians moving slowly on reforms that citizens are increasingly demanding. The findings highlight a growing gap between public appetite for action on food systems and the pace of political response.
Billions unlocked as Green Climate Fund agrees to spend more and save less
Matched: climate
The Green Climate Fund's board has agreed to let management invest more money in climate projects in developing nations while holding smaller reserves. The decision unlocks billions of dollars previously held back, directing greater resources toward climate action in poorer countries through the UN's primary climate finance mechanism.
Tropical forest protection fund at risk after UK stalls on pledge
Matched: climate
A tropical forest protection fund launched at COP30 under Brazilian leadership is at risk due to a funding shortfall. The UK has stalled on its financial pledge, leaving the initiative short of startup capital. The fund was designed as an innovative financing model to incentivise rainforest preservation, but uncertainty over donor commitments threatens its viability before it can become fully operational.